Yes on San Jose's Measure T: Public Infrastructure Bond

This blog was written by outgoing Santa Clara County Advocate, Ben Pacho.Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition is endorsing San José’s Measure T, a prudent infrastructure bond measure that will shore up critical roadways and bridges, bolster public safety facilities and emergency preparedness, as well as prioritize environmental protection of open space in Coyote Valley.City of San José has a $1.4 billion infrastructure backlog (and growing) that continues to pose ongoing challenges for maintaining, repairing, and replacing critical infrastructure. This is in part because it has been 18 years since a bond measure went before voters for approval.This bond would raise $650 million including $300 million toward desperately needed road repaving. If voters approve Measure T by the required two-thirds support, homeowners will pay about $11 dollars per $100,000 of the assessed value of their property every year.According to TRIP, a nonprofit research organization, 64 percent of San Jose’s streets and roads are in poor condition. This poses a danger to people biking and walking on our beleaguered roadways due to potholes, tears, and defects in the road. Measure T funds will bolster safety for all roadway users as the City of San Jose’s Complete Streets policy will “ensure that new and retrofitted streets are enhanced with ‘Complete Streets’ design elements embracing all travel modes and activities appropriate for the facility.”Measure T will also provide $50 million to support critical infrastructure against future natural flooding in Coyote Valley and protect open space from urban sprawl. The Measure is also supported by Greenbelt Alliance, Committee for Green Foothills, and many others. Measure T is not a panacea, but it’s what San José’s natural and built environments need to continue thriving. Vote yes on Measure T.